The sedan and hatchback body styles are as dissimilar from one another as two cars sharing the same structure and components can be. The sedan looks very conservative and in some ways echoes the silhouette of the second-generation 3 that debuted for 2010. The hatchback borders on the radical; displaying taut unbroken surfaces that somehow manage to impart a sense of visual tension. The hatchback shares a direct design connection with the current MX-5.rnThe 3’s exterior dimensions are similar to those of the Honda Civic, but unlike the roomy Civic, the 3’s cabin space is tight, and the lack of rear seat legroom may be a deal breaker for some buyers. Size constraints aside, the 3’s cabin is a study in tasteful, conservative design and its cabin fixtures border on sumptuous. rnPower is produced by Mazda’s familiar 2L and 2.5L fours. Two six-speed transmissions, a manual and a conventional automatic, are available. All-wheel drive is optional. Powered by a 2.5L, the 3 GT sedan is quick, quiet, and with precise steering, powerful brakes and a carefully-honed ride-handling balance, a delight to drive. The turbo engine in the 3 delivers strong, linear performance with no drama, but emits unpleasant sounds to the point some buyers may swerve it to enjoy the smoothness of the normally-aspirated 2.5L.rnThe 3 is viable alternative to a small luxury-branded car like an Audi A3 and one that promises with a bonus of better reliabilily and long-term durability. rn

The base GX trim lacks a forward collision warning or autonomous emergency braking but with blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, heated front seats, rain-sense wipers, alloy wheels, L.E.D. headlamps and the iOS-Android cellphone interface, it is comprehensively equipped. The GS, which adds a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, a lane-keep assist system, a lane departure warning, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a heated steering wheel and a rear centre armrest, is a bargain. The GS Luxury package adds a power driver’s seat, a memory system, a sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and is good value. The GT, which includes leather seating, a Bose-branded audio system, navigation, a 360 degree camera system, rear parking sonar, active headlamps, brake hold, a heads up display system and a number of minor feature, is tremendous value. The hatchback body style, marketed as the Sport, adds $1000 to the price of a 3. All-wheel drive adds $2500 to the price of the GS but only $2000 on the GT, as the bigger 2.5 L engine standard on the GT, is necessary to get the AWD powertrain. The turbo engine, offered only on the GT model, costs an extra $2400. Though not cheap, the GT turbo is quick and luxurious enough to be a substitute for a luxury-branded car like the Audi A3. rn

Predicted reliability is above average. The 3’s larger capacity, non-turbo engines and a conventional automatic transmission augers well for powertrain durability. The unlimited mileage basic and powertrain warranty is a real plus for high-mileage drivers. rn